What do YEOs have to say about FLLA?

Young Elected Officials are an integral part of the Front Line Leaders Academy. Serving as instructors, mentors, and counselors – YEOs have the ability to give first-hand advice to young progressive leaders close in age and experiences. Guidance from YEOs is made more meaningful given the age and comparative experience of YEOs to Fellows.

Hear is what some of the YEO trainers had to say about the FLLA experience:

Kyrsten Sinema, Arizona State Representative:
“I think there are two really important things to do before you run. First, grow thick skin. You don't want to be the young candidate or officeholder who cries every time someone says something negative about you. That's politics, deal with it. Second, learn the issues. Learn them really well. You will be at a disadvantage already because you're young. People will assume that you're inexperienced and don't know anything. You have to work twice as hard as other candidates to prove that you're knowledgeable and the right person for the job. So know your stuff, and know it better than anyone else. Also, don't take yourself too seriously. Learn to laugh and make fun of yourself, and enjoy what you're doing.”

Carmelo Garcia, Hoboken School Board Pres., NJ:
“I strongly believe this training will have a huge impact on the Fellows and on their way of thinking, which will bring them much confidence and progress. They received invaluable knowledge; tools and a powerful education that many of us have acquired through our personal experiences as elected officials and research, so that should empower them to be great. They will have access to resources that provide opportunities for them to capitalize on as they grow and change. They will be better planners, know how to channel their enthusiasm and cultivate their sense of perseverance.

“I was inspired by this group’s energy, intellect and appetite for learning. They were very radiant and supportive to each other in recognizing that amongst them there is a common thread– which is their passion to pursue public service. It was a great experience for me and I appreciated them as trainees.”

Ryan Hersha, Battle Creek City Commissioner, MI:
“A young person considering a life in politics must, above all things, develop a strong sense of their personal values. I’m not talking about values that a campaign presents but the values a human being holds on to when no one is looking. Without a strong sense of their personal values, a well-meaning individual stands little chance of effecting meaningful change.

“YEOs should get involved with FLLA because:
1. The YEO and YP4 staff is great and extremely helpful.
2. It’s personally satisfying to meet and help the next generation of progressive leaders.
3. If you’re not careful, you may pick up a good idea or two for yourself.”

Front Line Leaders Academy YEO Trainers:

The following YEOs have participated as trainers thus far for the FLLA program:

• Edward Ableser, Arizona State Representative
• Chad Campbell, Arizona State Representative
• Melvin Carter, Saint Paul City Councilman, MN
• Julián Castro, Former San Antonio City Commissioner, TX
• Maria Chappelle-Nadal, Missouri State Representative
• Marina Dimitrijevic, Milwaukee County Supervisor, WI
• Peggy Flanagan, Minneapolis School Board Member, MN
• Carmelo Garcia, Hoboken School Board Member, NJ
• Andrew Gillum, Tallahassee City Commissioner, FL
• Ryan Hersha, Battle Creek City Commissioner, MI
• Heather Hudson, Greenville Mayor, MS
• Austin King, Former Madison Alderman, WI
• Louie Lujan, City of La Puente Commissioner, CA
• Andy Meisner, Michigan State Representative
• Ben Miller, Former Battle Creek County Commissioner, MI
• Alisha Morgan, Georgia State Representative
• Tony Payton, Pennsylvania State Representative
• Nikki Randall, Georgia State Representative
• Rob Teilhet, Georgia State Representative
• Carl Sciortino, Massachusetts State Representative
• Kyrsten Sinema, Phoenix State Representative
• Neva Walker, Minnesota State Representative
• Rachel Weston, Vermont State Representative

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